Man in Phoenix child abuse case opts for plea bargain
The Verulam Magistrate's Court has heard that one of the accused in the Phoenix child abuse case has made an application to enter into a plea bargain with the State.
The child's mother and her boyfriend are facing attempted murder charges after the five-year-old girl was assaulted to the point of unconsciousness last year.
A pre-trial conference was meant to take place today, but the 22-year-old man's attorney told the court his client would like to enter into a plea bargain with the State.
Newswatch has learnt from court papers that the man had previously made an application to become a State witness, but it was refused.
His attorney asked for a two-week remand for the plea to be considered.
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Lawyers for the girl's mother say she'll address the court when they make their next appearance in two weeks.
A video clip of the girl being assaulted was shared widely on social media - sparking outrage across Durban.
Footage shows the little girl being kicked repeatedly as she lay on the floor. A man - believed to be the mother's boyfriend at the time - filmed the attack from a bed.
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